The United States and Japan share a turbulent history and cultures that are starkly different, with unique customs and fads. Yet, despite the cultural divide, many American ideas have captured the Japanese population. Here are 18 U.S. food exports, fashions, and sports that are unexpectedly popular across the Pacific.
Fast Food
According to Tokyo Treat, “Japan’s love of fast food as we know it started after WW2, as Japan became more Westernized,” and the Japanese appreciate fast food because it’s convenient, cheap, and delicious. The winner by far, though, is McDonald’s—Japanese outlets of the U.S. burger joint make 3,523 billion yen annually, which is equivalent to almost 23 billion dollars!
Halloween
While not a traditional Japanese holiday, Halloween celebrations have become increasingly popular there, particularly in urban areas like Tokyo that are more heavily influenced by American movies and TV shows. Costume stores in Japan see a boom in business during October, and themed events like parades and pumpkin carving contests are also common.
American Cheesecake
Japan has its own cheesecake, an uncooked dessert made with ricotta cheese and flavored with green tea or other subtle tastes. Despite this, deeper, denser, and richer American-style cheesecake with a decadent graham cracker crust is becoming increasingly popular. Specialty cheesecake shops have sprung up in all major cities, offering American cheesecakes in a huge variety of flavors.
Retro American Fashion
Weirdly, post-war vintage clothing stores specializing in 1950s and 1960s American fashion have become trendy in Japan, particularly among young adults who want to stand out. You’ll find everything from polka-dot dresses and letterman jackets to rockabilly-inspired outfits and vintage denim. Apparently, the Japanese youth can’t get enough of this bygone fashion.
Peanut Butter
IMARC claims that the American food industry has a growing market in Japan, and peanut butter sales specifically are projected to rise by 4.59% in 2024. Peanut butter isn’t a part of traditional Japanese cuisine, but its introduction after World War II sparked a love affair that continues today. Many Japanese people enjoy it on toast or rice cakes, in sandwiches, or in baked goods.
American Professional Wrestling
While Japan has its own professional wrestling scene, American organizations like WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) have a dedicated fanbase in the country. Many people there enjoy the uniquely over-dramatic storylines, flamboyant characters, and high-flying maneuvers, which provide showier and more extravagant entertainment than the local Japanese style.
Craft Beer
The American craft beer movement has spread across the Pacific, and Japanese drinkers have become increasingly interested in exploring different flavor profiles and bespoke styles beyond the nation’s traditional rice lagers and generic imports. Craft beer pubs are emerging in major cities, offering a selection of American IPAs, stouts, porters, and local craft brews.
Monster Trucks
Japanese audiences seem to love drama and destruction, so motor shows featuring oversized vehicles have proved very popular. Monster truck rallies featuring American-made trucks performing stunts and crushing cars draw large crowds and are even televised nationally. Consequently, the motorsports entertainment sector in Japan is currently booming.
American-Style Coffee
While Japan has long enjoyed green tea, American-style coffee shops like Starbucks have become hugely popular since the millennium. Perfect Daily Grind writes, “Japanese coffee consumption reached a height of 7.5 million 60 kg bags in 2019, making it one of the largest coffee consumers in the world.” The most popular variations include lattes and frappuccinos.
American Football
American football is not played professionally anywhere else in the world, yet it has a surprisingly dedicated following in Japan. The growing popularity of fantasy sports has fueled interest in the NFL (National Football League), while American high school and college football games are admired as spectacles of athletic prowess and teamwork, complete with amusingly bulky uniforms.
Thanksgiving Turkey
Unlike Halloween (which originated in England), Thanksgiving is a purely American tradition that isn’t typically celebrated outside of the U.S. Despite this, turkey dinners have become a popular way to celebrate Christmas in Japan. KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) has even capitalized on this trend by cleverly marketing its fried chicken as a festive alternative to turkey.
Converse Sneakers
This iconic American brand of canvas sneakers has become a staple in Japanese fashion. They provide a cool, grunge-like look that is timeless and, as an added bonus, also comfortable. Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars are very popular among all ages, and Japanese fashionistas incorporate them into various styles, even wearing them with formal dresses or suits!
Californian Cuisine
Seeing as California is one of the closest states (geographically) to Japan, its cuisine made its way across the Pacific easily and has since been well received. Japanese consumers like the fresh, seasonal ingredients, healthy preparations, and beautiful presentation, and many eateries offer dishes like avocado toast, Cobb salads, and American-inspired sushi like California rolls.
Vinyl Records
There seems to be a tendency for nostalgic trends focusing on retro American items, and this is rapidly starting to include old-school vinyl records from American artists popular in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. Strata-gee confirms that vinyl is so popular with Japanese youth that the current industry is often unable to meet demand despite growing rapidly in recent years.
American-Style BBQ
Although Japanese cuisine is generally light, delicate, and fish-oriented, the smoky flavors and slow-cooked meats of American barbecue have become a popular dining option. Many restaurants specialize in ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, typically based on Texan recipes and other (predominantly) southern barbeque techniques and ingredients.
Christmas Decorations
Hollywood movies are popular in Japan, and even people who have never visited the U.S. at Christmas time celebrate the holiday, albeit as a non-religious occasion. It has since become a beloved and lucrative commercial event, with extravagant, American-style decorations such as elaborate Christmas trees, colorful lights, and Santa Claus figures in every store.
Big, Fluffy Pancakes
European pancakes are thin and folded, like French crepes, but Japanese people have adopted the American version—thick, fluffy pancakes stacked high and covered in a variety of fruity or sweet toppings. Although portions may be smaller in Japan, several pancake restaurants exist and specialize in serving stacks complete with whipped cream, fruit, ice cream, and syrups.
Bargain Hunting
Warehouse clubs in Japan now offer a unique shopping experience compared to traditional Japanese supermarkets. They are inspired by discount stores in the U.S. and provide an ever-changing selection of discounted goods, from international brands to seasonal items. This has generated a national love for the thrill of treasure hunting and finding bargains.
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